AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8389, 30 March 1907, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

VARISCHETTI RESCUED. . Received March 29, 10.47 a.m. PERTH, March 29. Varischetti, who has shut in by water in the working of the Westralii East Mine, has been rescued. As the water went down the diver Hughes made four trips to the man, without a diving dress, having to swim thejj first time. At length, 1 taking Varischetti by the hand, he led him along the level to the cage. There was a scene of intense excitement as the long-entombed miner reached the surface. He was too weak to stand, and his eyes., were protected from the glare of the sunlight with coloured glasses. His face wore a death-like pallor. The spectators had been warned not to cheer for fear of shattering the man's nerves, and there was only a smothered hum as the cage reached the surface, Varischetti's head resting on his rescuer's shoulder. As the Italian was conveyed to the manager's house the pent-up feelings of the crowd broke forth in cheers for Hughes. * Italians on the goldfield are taking steps to recognise the divers' bravery. A fund has been opened here. The Adelaide Stock Exchange sent £2O as a slight token of appreciation of the divers' efforts.

APPRECIATION OF* HUGHES' VALOUR. Received March 30, 1.30 a.m. PERTH, March 29. When Vareschetti started he seemed well, but when the water reached his waist he seemed to lose strength. Hughes had to carry him to the chute, where a man named Hearne assisted him. The water was very cold. Count Junini, the Italian Consul, has telegraphed as follows to Hughes: "Your week's heroic work, which successfully resulted in the saving of the life of a human being and my fellow countryman, fills me with admiration. It serves as a demonstration of the valour of the British. lam taking a pride in reporting the gallant conduct, of yourself and assistant divers to my Government."

THE PLAGUE. Received March 30, 1.30 a.m. SYDNEY, March 29. A man residing at Waterloo has died from.plague. SAD FATALITY. deceived March 30, 1.30 a.m. MELBOURNE, March 29. While a farmer, named Harrison, of South Merloo was out driving with his sister-in-law (Miss Stone) a burning tree fell across the buggy, killing both.

AGRICULTURAL SHOW. SYDNEY, March 27. The secretary of the Agricultural Show explains in connection with the controversy with regard to the payment of judges, that prior to this year the society did not pay the expenses of judges. Mr Luxford was promised no expenses, and had no justification in claiming tftem. This year the society decided to pay judges living outside a 50-mile radius from Sydney. Three shorthorn bulls, belonging to Mr Nixen, of Canterbury, sold for 55 guineas, 60 guineas and 15 guinenr, respectively. The cows averaged £l6 2s.

SPOTTED FEVER. MELBOURNE, March 27. The President of the Board of Health states that each case of spotted fever was isolated as it'occurred. The disease may occur sporadically or epidemically. The cases which occurred are not epidemic/and under normal conditions are unlikely to spread.